Home childcarers, nannies, au pairs and babysitters

Nannies

A nanny is employed to look after your child or children at your home. Nannies do not need to have formal childcare qualifications, but many do have nursery nurse or other relevant childcare qualifications.

Nannies do not have to be registered or inspected by Ofsted unless they are looking after children from more than two families, so it is good to obtain references and check for DBS clearance before employment commences.

Nannies can either live in or come to your home for their set hours or days.

Some nannies have registered with Ofsted on the voluntary register.

Au pairs

An au pair is a young person who is:

• Single with no dependants
• Between 17 and 27 years old
• Prepared to stay between 6 months and 2 years

Au pairs travel to the UK to improve their English and live with a host family. In return, they help with childcare and light housework such as cleaning, dusting, and ironing. They usually help for up to five hours a day and should have at least two full days off per week. In exchange, they receive a weekly allowance, meals, and their own room.

Au pairs must have the right to work in the UK—this includes UK or Irish nationals, those with settled/pre-settled status, or a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. They are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, and employers must keep records to show compliance.

Au pairs are not registered or inspected, so it’s important to check references carefully. They are not usually trained in childcare and may not be suitable for caring for very young babies, but can be a good option for affordable after-school care.

More information is available on the GOV.UK website.

Babysitters

Babysitters look after children in the child's home, generally for short term/one off evening/weekend periods. They do not need to be registered or inspected although however some registered childminders do offer babysitting services. Some babysitters may be found on the  Family Services Directory

Questions to ask

Before you arrange home-based care think about asking some of the following questions:

• Can they provide referees?
• What childcare experience/qualifications do they have?
• Why do they enjoy working with children?
• How would they organise a child's day?
• What is their attitude to issues like discipline, sleep and food?
• How will they spend off-duty time if living in?
• Have they completed any training?
• Do they have a DBS disclosure?
• Have they got a first aid certificate?

Other places to find childcarers

Some parents and nannies advertise in local papers, specialist national magazines and there are many nanny agencies that advertise in phone directories and on the internet. See nanny agencies on the Family Information Directory. Nanny agencies will charge a fixed fee or a percentage of the nanny's salary. Nanny agencies have to be registered employment agencies.

Voluntary Ofsted Childcare Register

Nannies and other home-based childcarers can apply to join the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register and will have to meet basic criteria to do this.